Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Identity Theft

131/365

A few years ago, my identity was stolen. I’m not going to lie to you, I was completely shocked. Identity theft had always been just another thing that I heard about, but never thought would happen to me. But, nevertheless, one way or another, my bank account was violated and my name used for counterfeit checks. The criminals actually managed to spend over $2,000 in the Dollar General! Ridiculous.

To make matters worse, the same thing happened about two years after that…scammed again! In both instances, I found myself feeling both stunned and, sort of, liable. Had I been doing something wrong? Had I been irresponsible with my personal security in some way? Was I to blame for this identity confusion?

Who we are is all we have, thus, our identities are our most prized possession. My mom has always said that the number one thing to protect in life is our name. Our names define us. Our names characterize us. Who we are is, in fact, irreplaceable.

1 Corinthians 12:27
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” - NIV

Understanding our identities is extremely important, and for believers, our identity lies in understanding who we are in Christ. Realizing our position as children of God, and the identity that is ours through faith in Christ, sets the spiritual foundation whereby we can come to know, experience and walk in the fullness of God.

As is the case with many things in Christianity, it's not what we know in our head to be true, but what we know in our heart to be true. Our identity does not lay with our career. Our identity does not lay with what kind of car we drive. Our identity does not even lay with our family. No, our identity lies with the blood of Christ that covers our very souls and with the God who see’s us this way.

We must remember that with our identity in Christ, comes purpose.

1 comment: